Aerospace Quality Management – AS 9100- Quality Management System for Aerospace Industry
What is Aerospace Quality Management? It refers to the systematic approach used by organizations in the aerospace industry to ensure that their products, services, and processes consistently meet strict regulatory, safety, and performance standards. AS 9100 is a globally recognized quality management standard specifically tailored for the Aerospace industry. Given the high-risk nature of Aerospace operations, strict regulatory oversight is essential to ensure the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance. That’s where Aerospace Quality Management comes in—ensuring that every process, product, and service meets rigorous international requirements. First introduced in 1997, AS 9100 was developed to bring a unified approach to quality management across the Aerospace sector.
It builds upon the core principles of ISO 9001:2008 while addressing the unique demands of Aviation, Space, and Defense organizations. The standard was created through a collaborative effort between key industry bodies, including the Society of Automotive Engineers, the American Aerospace Quality Group (AAQG), and the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG). AS 9100 is more than just compliance—it’s a strategic tool that helps Aerospace companies streamline operations, reduce risks, and demonstrate their commitment to quality at every level of the supply chain.
Introduction to AS 9100 D- Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space, and Defense Organizations
The risk of poor quality differs from industry to industry. If a part fails on a home appliance, in most cases it is likely a mere inconvenience to the customer. In contrast, if a part fails on a piece of equipment in the aviation, space or defense industry, the effect could potentially cause severe injury or loss of life. The importance of quality components within these industries cannot be overstated. To ensure adequate levels of quality and customer satisfaction in the aviation, space, and defense industries, the SAE AS9100 standard was developed. This standard defines the quality management system requirements to be used at all levels of the supply chain by suppliers from around the globe.
1. What is AS9100D – Aerospace Quality Management
AS 9100 is the international Quality Management System standard for the Aviation, Space and Defense (AS&D) industry, created by the IAQG, and AS9100 Rev D (2016) is the most recent version. The standard provides suppliers with requirements for creating and maintaining a comprehensive quality system for providing safe and reliable products to the ASD industry, as well as civil & military aviation requirements
The AS9100 includes not only the ISO 9001:2015 requirements, but also identifies additional requirements specifically for the aviation, space, and defense industries. Some of the changes to Revision D of the AS9100 standard include the addition of information regarding the handling of counterfeit parts, attention to the human factors of manufacturing quality, a focus on product safety, ethics training, and the process approach including SIPOC and PDCA tools, Risk Based Thinking, and monitoring supplier delivery performance.
2. Why Implement AS 9100D
- To ensure Safety
- Airworthiness
- Product conformity and reliability
3. What benefits can it bring to an organization?
- Minimize business risks, including regulatory risks and potential legal liabilities.
- Deliver products that consistently meet customer requirements.
- Get a listing in the Online Supplier Information System (OASIS) database.
- Greater consistency and traceability of products and services means problems are easier to avoid and rectify.
- Improvement of processes and operational efficiencies means money saved.
- Become a preferred supplier and gain customer and stakeholder trust.
- Continually improve and win more business in domestic and international markets.
4. Applicable to:
Manufacturing, Maintenance, and service organizations across the aerospace/aviation sectors, including design, manufacturing, maintenance, and service-providing companies.
5. Our Consulting approach:
- Gap Analysis: Assessment of existing management system practices against the selected standard requirements.
- Project Plan: Prepare an implementation project plan based on the timelines,l ooking for;
- Orientation Training: Top/Senior Management orientation on selected standard requirements and implementation action plans preparation;
- Developing different levels of documentation ( Tier 1-3/4): Identification of processes required for the products produced and services provided; External and internal issues affecting the business, interested parties needs and expectations, Framing draft quality policy, organizational objectives, role, responsibility and authority, various risks affecting and opportunities arises, functional and system procedures, different implementation formats and checklists;
- System Implementation: Implementation of the selected management system as per the developed documentation.
- Company-wide Training: Training on detailed clause-wise requirements and relating them to their departments and the Internal audit.
- Internal Audits: Periodic assessment of system implementation and corrective actions.
- Pre-assessment: Initial audit by the Certifying agency and implementation of corrective actions.
- Final Assessment: Certification audit by the Certifying agency and recommendation for certification.
Relevant Manufacturing Industry Standards
- ISO 9001-Quality Management System,
- ISO 14001- Environmental Management System,
- ISO 45001- Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OH&S),
- ISO 50001-Energy Management System.
Quality Management System – Introduction to ISO 9001:2015
Most organizations face challenges when developing a quality management system. These challenges are potentially greater due to:
- Availability of resources;
- The costs involved in setting up and maintaining a quality management system.
- Difficulty in understanding and applying a quality management system, especially concepts such as organizational context, organizational knowledge, process approach, and risk-based thinking.
1. What is a quality management system?
A quality management system (QMS) is the way an organization directs and controls its activities that are related to achieving its intended results. Broadly, it consists of an organization’s structure together with the planning, processes, resources, and documented information that is used to achieve quality objectives (such as meeting customers’ and relevant interested parties’ requirements, to improve the quality management system, or to improve products and services). Every organization will already have a management structure, and on that basis, its quality management system is built. An organization might be fulfilling many of its requirements included in ISO 9001, but has simply not yet organized its activities into a formal quality management system.
2. Why have one?
The adoption of a QMS is a strategic decision that helps an organization to improve its overall performance and to provide a sound basis for its sustainable development initiatives. Many organizations implement a formal quality management system after finding that their customers want assurance that the products and services they are looking to purchase or obtain will meet their requirements for quality. Those customers are looking for the confidence that can be provided by an organization offering products and services produced under an effective quality management system, such as one conforming to ISO 9001.
A quality management system, on its own, will not necessarily lead to an improvement of work processes or to improvements of products and services. It will not solve all industry problems. It is a means for organizations to take a more systematic approach to fulfilling the organization’s objectives, which in turn should achieve such improvements.
3. What is ISO 9001:2015
ISO 9001:2015 sets out the criteria for a quality management system and is the only standard in the family that can be certified to (although this is not a requirement).
4. What benefits can we assure through the implementation?
- Ensure that customers get consistent, good-quality products and services, which can bring the business benefits.
- Assess the overall context of the organization to define who is affected by its work and what they expect from you. This will enable you to clearly state your objectives and identify new business opportunities.
- Put your customers first, making sure you consistently meet their needs and enhance their satisfaction. This can lead to more repeat custom, new clients and increased business for your organization.
- Work in a more efficient way as all your processes will be aligned and understood by everyone in the business or organization. This increases productivity and efficiency, bringing internal costs down.
- Meet the necessary statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Expand into new markets, as some sectors and clients require ISO 9001 before doing business.
- Identify and address the risks associated with your organization.
5. This standard is applicable to:
Any legal dealing with sectors like Pharma, Chemicals, Food Processing, Iron and Steel, Construction, Automotive, Aerospace, Granite, and Service organizations like Trading Houses, Banks, Hospitals, Diagnostic Centres, Insurance, Educational Institutions, Government Agencies, NGOs, etc., are eligible to implement and get certified.
Environment Management System – Introduction to ISO 14001:2015
Awareness of environmental problems is growing in most countries, and it is believed that current development patterns cannot be sustained in the long term. Governments are increasingly enacting legislation aimed at protecting the environment, and customers are requiring their suppliers to incorporate best practices and demonstrate compliance with environmental requirements.
1. What is ISO 14001:2015
This standard sets out the criteria for an environmental management system. It provides a framework that a company or organization can follow to set up an effective environmental management system. It can be used by any organization regardless of its activity or sector. This standard can provide assurance to company management and employees, as well as external stakeholders, that environmental impact is being measured and improved.
2. Why to have ISO 14001:2015
- Meet the company’s legal requirements and environmental impact.
- Keeping the measurable objectives and targets to reduce environmental impact and be in legal compliance.
- Gaining the support for an EMS from the company’s leadership.
- Communicating and sharing the objectives, targets, and results with both the internal and external stakeholders.
3. Benefits of ISO 14001:2015
Organizations and companies find that using the standard helps them to:
- Improved control and management of emissions, effluents, and wastes;
- avoidance and safe handling of hazardous or potentially polluting materials;
- reduction in generated wastes;
- energy efficiency improvements and cost savings;
- conservation of natural resources, including water, land, and precious minerals;
- a comprehensive approach to satisfying legal and other requirements;
- operational efficiency and cost savings;
- pursuing environmental initiatives that are aligned with business priorities.
- increased profitability, better access to markets, and improved relationships with stakeholders (e.g. customers, regulators, investors, insurers, neighbours).
4. Standard applicable to
Organizations of all kinds which are concerned with achieving and demonstrating sound environmental management system, performance by controlling the impacts of their activities, products and services on the environment, which include manufacturing like Cement, Steel, Pharma, Chemical, Food Processing etc., and service industries likes Construction, ETP service providers and Software service providers.
5. Our Consulting approach:
- Gap Analysis: Assessment of existing management system practices against the selected standard requirements.
- Project Plan: Prepare an implementation project plan based on the timelines ,looking for;
- Orientation Training: Top/Senior Management orientation on selected standard requirements and implementation action plans preparation;
- Developing different levels of documentation ( Tier 1-3/4): Identification of processes required for the products produced and services provided; External and internal issues affecting the business, interested parties needs and expectations, Framing draft quality policy, organizational objectives, role, responsibility and authority, various risks affecting and opportunities arises, functional and system procedures, different implementation formats and checklists;
- System Implementation: Implementation of the selected management system as per the developed documentation.
- Company-wide Training: Training on detailed clause-wise requirements and relating them to their departments and the Internal audit.
- Internal Audits: Periodic assessment of system implementation and corrective actions.
- Pre-assessment: Initial audit by the Certifying agency and implementation of corrective actions.
- Final Assessment: Certification audit by the Certifying agency and recommendation for certification.
Occupational Health and Safety Management System – Introduction to ISO 45001
Health and safety in the workplace are the number one concern of most businesses, yet still deaths and injuries occur. ISO 45001 sets the minimum standard of practice to protect employees worldwide. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), there are currently more than 2.78 million deaths a year as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases, in addition to 374 million non-fatal injuries and illnesses. Aside from the enormous impact on families and communities, the cost to businesses and economies is significant.
1. What is ISO 45001?
ISO 45001, Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use, is the world’s first International Standard for occupational health and safety (OH&S). It provides a framework to increase safety, reduce workplace risks, and enhance health and well-being at work, enabling an organization to proactively improve its OH&S performance.
2. Why Implement ISO 45001?
- Makes a safe place to work.
- reduced number of incidents,
- employee absenteeism,
- employee turnover,
- reduced downtime and reductions in insurance premiums.
3. What benefits does it bring to organizations?
- Key potential benefits from the use of the standard include:
- Reduction of workplace incidents
- Reduced absenteeism and staff turnover, leading to increased productivity
- Reduced cost of insurance premiums
- Creation of a health and safety culture, whereby employees are encouraged to take an active role in their own OH&S
- Reinforced leadership commitment to proactively improve OH&S performance
- Ability to meet legal and regulatory requirements
- Enhanced reputation
- Improved staff morale
4. Applicable to:
Manufacturing such as Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Hospitals, Steel, Cement, Construction, Glass, Bakery, Paper, and the service industry like IT, ITeS.
5. How can Smartedge help get started?
- Gap Analysis: Assessment of existing management system practices against the selected standard requirements.
- Project Plan: Prepare an implementation project plan based on the timelines ,looking for;
- Orientation Training: Top/Senior Management orientation on selected standard requirements and implementation action plans preparation;
- Developing different levels of documentation ( Tier 1-3/4): Identification of processes required for the products produced and services provided; External and internal issues affecting the business, interested parties needs and expectations, Framing draft quality policy, organizational objectives, role, responsibility and authority, various risks affecting and opportunities arises, functional and system procedures, different implementation formats and checklists;
- System Implementation: Implementation of the selected management system as per the developed documentation.
- Company-wide Training: Training on detailed clause-wise requirements and relating them to their departments and the Internal audit.
- Internal Audits: Periodic assessment of system implementation and corrective actions.
- Pre-assessment: Initial audit by the Certifying agency and implementation of corrective actions.
- Final Assessment: Certification audit by the Certifying agency and recommendation for certification.
Energy Management System – Introduction to ISO 50001:2018
Energy is critical to organizations, but often represents a significant cost, both to them and the environment. World energy consumption continues to rise, it has more than doubled in the last 40 years and is projected to increase by a further 30 % by 2040. Energy is the major contributor to climate change, making up nearly 60 % of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Taking action to better manage our energy consumption not only helps the planet but also saves money for organizations and society as a whole.
1. What is ISO 50001:2018
ISO 50001:2018, Energy management systems – Requirements with guidance for use, is a strategic tool that helps organizations put in place an energy management system and use their energy more efficiently and effectively. An energy management system helps organizations better manage their energy use, thus improving productivity. It involves developing and implementing an energy policy, setting achievable targets for energy use, and designing action plans to reach them and measure progress. This might include implementing new energy-efficient technologies, reducing energy waste, or improving current processes to cut energy costs.
2. What benefits will ISO 50001 bring to my business?
- Greater levels of compliance with energy legislation.
- Reduced risk of incurring energy-related fines and prosecutions, and lower insurance premiums.
- Increased ability to proactively identify and address issues ahead of legislative changes.
- Improved reputation and stakeholder trust.
- Cost savings through improved energy management.
- More ethically sound and cost-effective procurement procedures.
- Reduced waste and increased efficiency.
- Sustainable energy use in the face of rising costs.
3. Why ISO 50001:2018
- Reduction in energy consumption
- Energy cost reduction
- Emission reduction
- The reputation of an organisation.
4. Applicable to
- a) is applicable to any organization regardless of its type, size, complexity, geographical location, organizational culture, or the products and services it provides;
- b) applies to activities affecting energy performance that are managed and controlled by the organization;
- c) is applicable irrespective of the quantity, use, or types of energy consumed;
- d) requires demonstration of continual energy performance improvement, but does not define levels of energy performance improvement to be achieved;
- e) can be used independently, or be aligned or integrated with other management systems.
5. How can Smartedge help get started?
- Gap Analysis: Assessment of existing management system practices against the selected standard requirements.
- Project Plan: Prepare an implementation project plan based on the timelines ,looking for;
- Orientation Training: Top/Senior Management orientation on selected standard requirements and implementation action plans preparation;
- Developing different levels of documentation ( Tier 1-3/4): Identification of processes required for the products produced and services provided; External and internal issues affecting the business, interested parties needs and expectations, Framing draft quality policy, organizational objectives, role, responsibility and authority, various risks affecting and opportunities arises, functional and system procedures, different implementation formats and checklists;
- System Implementation: Implementation of the selected management system as per the developed documentation.
- Company-wide Training: Training on detailed clause-wise requirements and relating them to their departments and the Internal audit.
- Internal Audits: Periodic assessment of system implementation and corrective actions.
- Pre-assessment: Initial audit by the Certifying agency, and implementation of corrective actions.
- Final Assessment: Certification audit by the Certifying agency and recommendation for certification.
Relevant Industry Trainings: Lead Auditor-1) ISO 9001-Quality Management System-QMS, 2) ISO 14001-Environmental Management System-EMS, 3) ISO 45001-Occupational Health and Safety -OH&S, 4) ISO 27001-Information Security Management System –ISMS.
- Lean Champion, 2. Value Stream Mapping, 3. Quick Changeover (SMED), 4. Standard Work,
5. Lean Culture, 6. Kanban, 7. Lean Metrics & 8.A3 – Problem solving - TPM Champion, 2.Individual Improvement,3. Planned Maintenance,4. Quality Maintenance
6. Office TPM & 7. Losses & Overall Equipment Efficiency
- A qualification to supply major aerospace manufacturers
- Easy integration into existing quality management systems, as the AS9100 standard is based on ISO 9001 with additional industry-critical criteria. Help to reduce operational risk
- Access to the best practices of the aerospace industry for quality and traceability
- Enhanced marketability of products and services
- A focus on customer satisfaction